Sustainability

The name “Araksa” translates to “Preserve” in Sanskrit. Our philosophy at Araksa is to preserve and conserve our surrounding environment and local culture. We are passionate about creating an ecosystem that can sustain both the business and environment we are using.

At Araksa we believe quality stems from the environment and social wellbeing. Sustainability is our path to providing high quality tea and we make a constant effort to ensure that everyone involved works with this ideology in mind.

Conservation

Our garden is located in a designated agricultural area, which we do not encroach beyond our boundaries.

We believe our responsibility is not only to protect the environment around us, but to help improve upon it.

Our Garden

Our entire garden is USDA and EU Certified. Our tea is grown, harvested and processed in the most sustainable way. We do not use chemicals or harmful toxins, we have created natural buffer zones to prevent contamination from the air and soil and we continue to pluck by hand rather than using machines in order to use clean energy.

Our Factory

Our factory is USDA and EU Certified. We operate our own factory,.

TH-BIO-140

- Environmental Responsibility -

We are located in the district of Baan Chang. Baan Chang is situated in an environmentally sensitive area due to its lush jungle, flowing river, waterfalls and fertile soil. Ideal for activities such as rafting, trekking, cycling and elephant conservation, the region has become an attractive tourist destination. However, a lack of concern for nature and understanding preservation has negatively affected the environment and its inhabitants. The area has seen large amounts of land erosion, forest burning, land encroachment, and the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. If we continue to mistreat the land, we will lose its most precious natural assets.

Buffer Zone

We create natural buffer zones with various plants and trees that work to create a natural air and ground filtration system. Lemongrass, known to be a natural pest control, generates good oxygen flow in the soil while banana trees and bamboo trees makes an excellent buffer zone against air toxins. As we develop, it is important to avoid cutting down trees and find ways to work around them.

Slash and Burn Prevention

Agricultural burning has become a disruptive financial and social issue throughout Southeast Asia. At Araksa, we do not allow any burning and work with local authorities to ensure that local farmers are monitored and enforce with the “no burning” law.
Growing long-term plants makes farmers concerned about fires and it's potential to destroy crops. We try to encourage the local community to move away from cash crops to more sustainable crops such as lychee and longan trees.

Local Contributions - Reforestation

Araksa’s founders are strong advocates of environmental stewardship; they founded the Himmapaan Foundation in 2005 to repair areas that have been impacted by tourism. Within the 6 km radius of the tea garden, the Himmapaan Foundation has planted trees using the Forru Method http://www.forru.org/en/ since 2006, which has shown more than a 90% survival rate of plants and trees. Araksa will continue to work with the foundation to push forward on such initiatives.

- Social Responsibility -

Everything begins with people. We believe people are the bedrock of a sustainable community and by employing local people and empowering them with new skills, together we can do meaningful work. Our employees are a mix of individuals from the Akka Tribe, Hmong Tribe, Lisu Tribe and local Thais.

Buying Locally

We do our very best to buy supplies locally to support the local economy and culture. The Sugar Can Rice crackers served at the Tea House are bought from a local woman who harvest's from her own rice field and makes it all by herself. It is a favorite amongst our guests who also buy them to take home. This not only generates local income but also helps to sustain the traditional Thai snacks.

A family-run business in the Chiangmai area makes all our soap products, which are hand-made from completely natural ingredients.

It is our goal to offer more locally produced products to our visitors. We hope to make the community proud of their local businesses.

Local Employment

We try our best to hire locally and give them the opportunity to work near home. With limited work in the area, most people have to move away from family and find jobs in the city. We see the value in training and developing local talent. This will also help to further develop the local economy and fostor sustainable business.